King James Version

What Does Psalms 145:21 Mean?

Psalms 145:21 in the King James Version says “My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 145 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.”

Psalms 145:21 · KJV

Context

19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

20

The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

21

My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse concludes the psalm with a reaffirmation of perpetual praise: 'My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.' The phrase 'my mouth shall speak' commits the entire self to testimony and declaration. 'The praise of the LORD' (tehilat YHWH) literally means the praise that belongs to God, the praises worthy of Him. The shift from singular ('my mouth') to universal ('all flesh') expands the scope from personal commitment to cosmic vision. 'All flesh' includes not just humanity but all living creation, echoing themes from Psalm 150 (the final psalm). 'His holy name' emphasizes God's set-apartness and unique character. The double 'for ever and ever' bookends the psalm, returning to the commitment made in verse 1. By ending with praise, the psalm establishes that worship is not a preliminary to other concerns but the ultimate human purpose. The progression from personal praise to universal benediction reflects the theological trajectory: as individuals commit to God's praise, this naturally invokes all creation into similar worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reflects the liturgical function of the psalm in corporate worship. The phrase 'let all flesh bless his holy name' suggests congregational participation or at least the hope for universal adoption of this practice. In the Second Temple period, Psalm 145 was incorporated into daily Jewish prayer (Shacharit - the morning service), making it one of the most frequently recited texts in Jewish spirituality. The emphasis on God's 'holy name' relates to the holiness theology emphasized in Leviticus and sustained through Israel's prophetic tradition. The phrase 'all flesh' appears in Isaiah 40:5 ('and the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together'), suggesting eschatological fulfillment. In the context of the final psalms (145-150), this verse emphasizes the universality of praise - not limited to Israel but extending to all creation. Early Christians recognized in 'all flesh' bless God the future reality of Romans 14:11 ('every knee shall bow... and every tongue shall confess').

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the commitment that 'my mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD' serve as both personal discipline and witness to others?
  2. Why does the psalm conclude by extending praise from the individual ('my mouth') to all creation ('all flesh')?
  3. What is the significance of praising God's 'holy name' specifically, rather than merely praising God in general?
  4. In what ways does the perpetual commitment to praise ('for ever and ever') reflect realistic spirituality versus idealistic sentiment?
  5. How might this closing vision of universal praise shape our participation in worship today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
תְּהִלַּ֥ת1 of 11

“the praise”

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יְֽדַבֶּ֫ר3 of 11

“shall speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

פִּ֥י4 of 11

“My mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וִיבָרֵ֣ךְ5 of 11

“bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

כָּל6 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּ֭שָׂר7 of 11

“and let all flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

שֵׁ֥ם8 of 11

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

קָדְשׁ֗וֹ9 of 11

“his holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְעוֹלָ֥ם10 of 11

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וָעֶֽד׃11 of 11

“and ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 145:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 145:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 71:8Psalms 51:15Psalms 150:6Psalms 71:15Psalms 117:1-2Psalms 71:23-24

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